World Reviewer rating

Tortola

Tortola has a reputation even in the idyllic Caribbean of being idyllic. Dryer than much of the Caribbean, the island is still bright green with life, yet instead of jungle or rainforests its interior is a forest of succulents and cacti. Because less water runs off the island into the ocean, the ocean is almost the clearest and brightest in the Caribbean, a turquoise in the shallows and an azure in the deeper water loved by divers and snorkellers. Calm, clear waters are also perfect for sailors.

Cane Garden Bay is the busiest beach, it was reviewed as one of the Top Ten beaches in the Caribbean so many times that it made it onto the essential visiting list. To avoid the crowds try Brewer’s Bay, the next bay over and by the old rum distillery which used to make the local tipple, Pussers.

Shopping, eating and relaxing are the other main attractions. A good spot to base a trip around as there’s good access to other local islands.